New Zealand supports India’s bid for UNSC membership

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed their shared desire to further strengthen the growing bilateral relationship between both countries during their talks in New Delhi.

• Both leaders recognised that there remains significant potential for further growth in the bilateral relationship and agreed to cooperate closely in diverse areas, including trade and investment, defence and security, education and research, science and technology, agri-tech, space, mobility of people and sports.

Highlights of the meeting:

Regional and Multilateral Cooperation

• Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to an open, inclusive, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.

• Both leaders acknowledged cooperation in ASEAN-led fora such as the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum.

• New Zealand endorsed India’s candidature for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.

• Both leaders emphasized the importance of upholding the global nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation regime, with New Zealand acknowledging India’s non-proliferation credentials.

Trade and Investment

• Both countries launched negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) aimed at achieving deeper economic integration. The FTA is expected to be balanced, ambitious, and mutually beneficial.

• Discussions on early implementation of cooperation in the digital payments sector were agreed upon within the FTA framework.

• The signing of the Authorized Economic Operators Mutual Recognition Arrangement (AEO-MRA) will facilitate easier movement of goods between the two countries.

• Memorandums of Cooperation were signed to enhance collaboration in horticulture and forestry, including knowledge exchange and infrastructure development.

Defence and Security

• A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for defence cooperation was signed to strengthen bilateral defence engagements, including military exercises, staff college exchanges, and naval port calls.

• Both leaders emphasized the importance of ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication and agreed to regular dialogue on maritime safety.

• New Zealand expressed interest in joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) which India welcomed as a partnership for managing and sustaining the maritime domain.

Science, Technology, and Disaster Management

• Both sides stressed the need for stronger collaboration in research, technology partnerships, and innovation.

• New Zealand supported India’s leadership in the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).

• A Memorandum of Cooperation on earthquake mitigation was discussed to facilitate the exchange of experiences in preparedness and emergency response.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)